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Alternative Retail Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sales Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

... key alternative retail channels including Duty Free & Travel Retail (all channels including Cruise Lines, Ship Chandler, Border Shops), Hospitality, Military, and College Bookstores. This role ...

Senior Analyst - Alternative Data

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Support TransUnion's Alternative Data operations and day-to-day business functions. * Monitor the ... Knowledge of banking, retail credit, consumer credit reporting, or related regulated industries.

Senior Analyst - Alternative Data

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Support TransUnion's Alternative Data operations and day-to-day business functions. * Monitor the ... Knowledge of banking, retail credit, consumer credit reporting, or related regulated industries.

Senior Analyst - Alternative Data

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Support TransUnion's Alternative Data operations and day-to-day business functions. * Monitor the ... Knowledge of banking, retail credit, consumer credit reporting, or related regulated industries.

Support TransUnion's Alternative Data operations and day-to-day business functions. * Monitor the ... Knowledge of banking, retail credit, consumer credit reporting, or related regulated industries.

Team Overview The Alternative Data team within Data Acquisition Services is responsible for ... Knowledge of banking, retail credit, consumer credit reporting, or related regulated industries.

Retail Customer Service Associate

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $16.25/hr

... suggest alternatives and provide solutions. This customer service focused team member is ... Demonstrates consultative behaviors in a retail environment to understand each customer ...

Retail Customer Service Associate

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $16.25/hr

... suggest alternatives and provide solutions. This customer service focused team member is ... Demonstrates consultative behaviors in a retail environment to understand each customer ...

Retail Customer Service Associate

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

... suggest alternatives and provide solutions. This customer service focused team member is ... Demonstrates consultative behaviors in a retail environment to understand each customer ...

Retail Customer Service Associate

Batavia, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $16.75/hr

... suggest alternatives and provide solutions. This customer service focused team member is ... Demonstrates consultative behaviors in a retail environment to understand each customer ...

... suggest alternatives and provide solutions. This customer service focused team member is ... Demonstrates consultative behaviors in a retail environment to understand each customer ...

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Alternative Retail information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$18

How much do alternative retail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for alternative retail in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is alternative retail?

Alternative retail refers to non-traditional methods and channels of selling products and services outside of conventional brick-and-mortar stores. This can include pop-up shops, online marketplaces, subscription services, mobile retail units, and social media commerce. The goal of alternative retail is to engage customers in innovative ways, often providing unique shopping experiences or reaching audiences who may not frequent traditional retail locations. Businesses use alternative retail strategies to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the evolving retail landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an alternative retail professional?

To thrive in Alternative Retail, you need a solid understanding of retail operations, strong sales acumen, and often experience with unique or non-traditional retail models such as pop-ups or online marketplaces. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and e-commerce platforms is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help professionals connect with diverse customers and respond to rapidly changing market trends. These skills are essential for maximizing sales, delivering excellent customer experiences, and ensuring business growth in a competitive retail environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in alternative retail environments, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Alternative Retail often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving consumer trends, adapting to non-traditional sales channels (like pop-up shops or online marketplaces), and managing logistics for unique inventory types. Success in this role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to quickly learn new technologies or platforms. Building close relationships with both customers and suppliers is crucial, as is being comfortable with a fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable work environment. Proactively seeking feedback and staying updated with industry innovations can help professionals thrive in this dynamic field.

What is the easiest alternative retail job to get into?

Entry-level retail positions such as cashier or sales associate are generally the easiest alternative retail jobs to obtain, as they often require minimal experience and may not need specialized skills or certifications. These roles typically involve customer service, basic inventory management, and are available at most retail stores with open hiring policies.

What job categories do people searching Alternative Retail jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Alternative Retail jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Alternative Retail job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,798 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description


Ritter Sport is seeking a results-driven Sales Manager - Travel Retail & Special Markets - to lead strategic growth initiatives, expand market share, and strengthen customer partnerships for one of the world's most recognized premium chocolate brands. Reporting to the VP of Sales.
Ritter Sport is a globally recognized, family-owned German chocolate company known for its iconic square chocolate bars, commitment to quality, and leadership in sustainable cocoa sourcing. Operating in over 100 countries, the company combines more than a century of tradition with innovation and responsible business practices
Location: Near the following U.S Airports (Chicago, New York LGA or JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington (DC), Atlanta, Orlando or Miami)
Travel: Up to 50%
Classification: Exempt Salaried
Experience and Skills
Position Summary
The Senior Sales Manager - Travel Retail & Special Markets is responsible for developing and growing Ritter Sport's business across key alternative retail channels including Duty Free & Travel Retail (all channels including Cruise Lines, Ship Chandler, Border Shops), Hospitality, Military, and College Bookstores. This role focuses on delivering sustainable sales growth by expanding distribution, strengthening merchandising execution, and managing strategic customer relationships.
The position collaborates cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, brokers, and retail execution teams to drive strong commercial results while ensuring Ritter Sport's premium brand presence across these unique retail environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Sell and develop Ritter Sport's long-term, sustainable business with Duty Free & Travel Retail (all channels including: Cruise Lines, Ship Chandler, Border Shops), Hospitality, Military, and College Bookstore retailers.
  • Execute and deliver results across Ritter Sport's annual objectives related to distribution, shelving, merchandising, and pricing across assigned customers, including applicable distributor partners.
  • Effectively manage trade investment and gross-to-net activities with assigned customers including planning, coordinating, and managing trade promotions, seasonal programs, and conducting post-event performance analysis.
  • Deliver desired sales results (gross and net sales) within assigned area of responsibility.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners including marketing and supply chain to support the development and commercialization of SKUs required for success in Travel Retail and Duty Free channels.
  • The incumbent must also be in close contact with the Ritter Sport Travel Retail Team in Waldenbuch, Germany (Ritter Sport HQ); specifically with the Key Account Manager for Avolta (includes Hudson News).
  • Support daily account management activities for assigned retailers and distributor partners.
  • Partner with broker organizations and retail execution teams to ensure optimal shelf presence, strong merchandising standards, and successful new item launches.
  • Develop sales presentations, promotional calendars, and customer-facing materials for retailer meetings and line reviews.
  • Track and report on sales performance, inventory levels, and shipment trends while identifying risks and opportunities for growth.
  • Maintain accurate customer records, promotional plans, and internal sales trackers to ensure high data integrity.
  • Support industry trade shows, customer events, and in-store audits to strengthen customer relationships and improve retail execution.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of sales experience within the Retail Consumer Packaged Goods industry.
  • Confectionery experience preferred, as well as experience within Travel Retail, Duty Free, or Military channels.
  • Strong knowledge of syndicated data platforms including Circana (IRI), NielsenIQ, and/or SPINS, with experience analyzing and applying data insights to drive category growth.
  • Demonstrated experience identifying category opportunities with retailers, including assortment optimization, distribution expansion, pricing strategy, and merchandising improvements.
  • Experience with customer forecasting and demand planning analytics.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate insights to customers, brokers, and internal cross-functional teams.
  • Proven track record of delivering positive, quantifiable sales results.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel (formulas, pivot tables, charts) and PowerPoint.
  • Highly self-motivated, results-oriented, and collaborative team player.

Benefits
Medical, Vision, Dental, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, FSA, Basic Life/AD&D, PTO, Holidays
This job description is not intended to detail every aspect of the job or list every task to be performed. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, the candidate's qualifications- including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant industry experience, relevant degrees or certifications. The salary range estimate below is inclusive of all departments, and offered salaries may vary within the given range between departments. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this level is $125,000 - $150,000 annualized and other competitive benefits.